Mara speaks on new anthem policy, calls protests 'very divisive'

Hopes all of the Giants stand for the anthem this season

9:32AM

Well, that doesn't appear to be the case after the new policy was released by the NFL on Wednesday that requires all team and league personnel on the field "to stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem." If players wish to continue protesting, they must do so off the field by not being present on the sideline for the anthem.

David Diehl confident Giants offseason moves will turn team around

May 16 | 9:45AM

Former Giants offensive lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion David Diehl sees an entirely different Giants team this year.

And though they were one of the leagues' worst at 3-13, Diehl is confident the new pieces this season will generate more wins.

"You're going to be looking at a completely different offense," Diehl told NJ.com's Matt Lombardo. "Now you have Saquon Barkley, to Will Hernandez, to Nate Solder, and now coming back with a healthy Odell Beckham Jr., you're looking at a dangerous offense that can do a lot of things."

Giants' Plan B was DE Bradley Chubb if Barkley wasn't on board

Apr 27 | 6:10PM

The Giants Plan A worked out perfectly. The Browns went for a quarterback in Baker Mayfield first overall, and Penn State RB Saquon Barkley was waiting for them to grab at No. 2.

But, if the Browns wanted Barkley first before getting their quarterback, the Giants had their Plan B. And it wasn't one of the top quarterbacks on the board.

N.C. State DE Bradley Chubb would have been their pick granted Barkley was gone, reports The Post's Paul Schwartz. Gettleman and the Giants viewed Chubb as the best defensive player in the draft, and thought he would be worthy of the No. 2 pick over a quarterback. Instead, Chubb went fifth overall to the Broncos.

Olivier Vernon ready to tackle new position in Bettcher's 3-4 scheme

The Giants' new regime is officially underway with the team's three-day minicamp on Tuesday, led by new head coach Pat Shurmur. It is a fresh start after an atrocious 2017 season.

For defensive end Olivier Vernon, the team's fresh start involves a position change under new defensive coordinator James Bettcher. Vernon will now work in a 3-4 defense, but how the team will exactly utilize the veteran lineman is yet to be seen.

Vernon doesn't even know how the Giants will use him in this new system.

Giants think Olivier Vernon can wreak havoc in new 3-4 defense

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Olivier Vernon has been a very good player the last two years in the Giants' 4-3 defense. But new defensive coordinator James Bettcher sees great things ahead for him in the Giants' new 3-4.

That's because Bettcher intends to use the 27-year-old Vernon the way he used Chandler Jones last season - primarily as a pass rusher off the edge. Under Bettcher's guidance, Jones became one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the NFL, with 17 sacks last season. And he's just the latest in a long list of 4-3 defensive ends who reached another level as the edge rusher in Bettcher's 3-4 scheme.

"I've had Chandler Jones, Marcus Golden -- shoot even when you talk about older players, a John Abraham, a Dwight Freeney that's played in this system who have been 4-3 defensive ends playing in this same system," Bettcher said. "(Those are) guys that have had a ton of success, guys that have been double-digit sack guys in this system."

How does JPP trade affect Giants plans for the Draft?

ORLANDO -- As soon as the Giants' traded Jason Pierre-Paul, speculation went wild that they were planning to take his replacement with the No. 2 pick in the draft. And why not? N.C. State defensive end Bradley Chubb is considered the draft's best defensive player, perfect for the Giants' new-look, 3-4 defense.

That, of course, is not the reason they traded JPP. The move was about dumping a contract and a player, and their draft board didn't change after they made the move. They are set for the time being at the edge positions with Olivier Vernon and the newly-signed Kareem Martin, plus Josh Mauro when his season-opening suspension is over...

Giants add depth to defensive line in re-signing Kerry Wynn

The Giants have shored up the depth of their defensive line rotation by agreeing to terms on a new deal with Kerry Wynn.

Wynn, a 27-year-old who's entering his fifth NFL season, will sign a one-year deal to return to the Giants, a source confirmed. He has been a solid rotational player for the Giants since they signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Richmond in 2014. He's even made 10 starts in the last three years.

Kareem Martin predicts a 'relentless' Giants defense this season

James Bettcher hasn't unveiled his vision for what his new Giants defense is going to look like next season. But linebacker Kareem Martin has a pretty good idea of how exciting it's going to be.

"It's going to be a relentless defense," Martin, the newest Giants linebacker, said on a conference call on Friday. "We're a heavy blitz team in the past years and he likes to get guys run up the field and I think that's what the guys are going to be really excited about, especially the guys up front.

Giants will need these changes to happen to reach Super Bowl LIII

The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl champions, but the world hasn't yet spun off its axis. So for now, at least, Super Bowl LIII is still scheduled to be played next year.

The Eagles, who were the worst team in the NFC East just one year ago, are clearly among the favorites to get back to the Super Bowl again. But is there any chance the Giants can pull off their worst-to-first trick, too?

Bruce Arians believes JPP, Vernon won't be lost in Bettcher's scheme

Jan 28 | 2:22PM

The Giants new defensive coordinator, James Bettcher, brings a new dynamic to the defense with his 3-4 scheme. So where do traditional defensive ends like Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon?

Former Cardinals HC Bruce Arians, who had Bettcher on his staff, thinks Pierre-Paul and Vernon would fit perfectly into Bettcher's scheme. The Cardinals pushed to get JPP because they were convinced he could convert into a 3-4 outside linebacker based on his speed and quickness off the line.

After Pierre-Paul signed with the Giants on a one-year deal, the Cardinals dealt for Chandler Jones, who has thrived in Bettcher's system with 28 sacks in two seasons.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - When Pat Shurmur looked at the Arizona Cardinals defense, he saw they were stingy, aggressive, and stout against the run. So when their defensive coordinator became available, he made the easy and obvious choice.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Whatever good feelings there were inside the Meadowlands at the start of Sunday's game were completely gone by the end of it. The fans that bothered to stick around were either booing or cheering the Cowboys. For the Giants, it was just another miserable loss.

But they've reached the point in their season where they can win for losing, and on Sunday they did. Their 30-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, plus the San Francisco 49ers' 26-16 win in Houston, helped solidify the Giants' position in the 2018 draft, where right now they'd have the second pick.

President Trump blasts Giants' Vernon on Twitter for kneeling during anthem

New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon takes a knee during the national anthem before the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. (Jonathan Dyer/USA TODAY Sports)

Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon continued his silent protest during the national anthem on Thursday night. And this time, he drew some personal attention -- and attacks -- from the White House.

Both the president and his social media director took shots at Vernon on Twitter on Friday morning, though the president did not refer to Vernon by name. And they were both reacting to a story on Breitbart -- a right-wing media outlet -- that referred to his decision to continue his protest on Thanksgiving as "just beneath contempt."

Sterling Shepard 'not feeling well,' did not practice Tuesday

Nov 21, 2017 | 2:45PM

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(Brad Penner)

Giants WR Sterling Shepard sat out of practice again on Tuesday as he was "not feeling well," per SNY's Ralph Vacchiano.

Shepard was sidelined against the Chiefs on Sunday with migraines, and it appears that he still has them. Trainers will continue "looking at all possibilities" as to why the sophomore receiver is getting them.

The good news at practice was DT Damon "Snacks" Harrison and DE Olivier Vernon were both at practice, but were limited in what they could do. They were previously out on Monday after both suffering injuries in the win on Sunday. Vernon was said to have a shoulder injury on Sunday, but he was listed with an ankle issue which has bothered him the past few weeks. Harrison is nursing an ankle injury.

Pugh, Fluker expected to miss Thanksgiving Day game against Redskins

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: The Giants have a very short week, but their injury list remains very long.

Five starters, and one of the replacements for the injured starters, were on the list of Giants who did not practice on Monday as the Giants began their abbreviated preparation for their Thanksgiving night game against the Redskins (4-6) in Washington. That includes two starting offensive linemen who may not play, meaning the Giants could have to reshuffle a line that is already in a constant state of flux.

Justin Pugh was already expected to miss the next few weeks, according to multiple team sources. And now, according to NJ.com, G D.J. Fluker is expected to miss the game on Thursday night, too. That probably means G Jon Halapio would be in line for his first career start, though the Giants also could turn to veteran G John Greco whom they just signed last week.

Pugh, Fluker expected to miss Thanksgiving game vs. Redskins

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: The Giants have a very short week, but their injury list remains very long.

Five starters, and one of the replacements for the injured starters, were on the list of Giants who did not practice on Monday as the Giants began their abbreviated preparation for their Thanksgiving night game against the Redskins (4-6) in Washington. That includes two starting offensive linemen who may not play, meaning the Giants could have to reshuffle a line that is already in a constant state of flux.

Justin Pugh was already expected to miss the next few weeks, according to multiple team sources. And now, according to NJ.com, G D.J. Fluker is expected to miss the game on Thursday night, too. That probably means G Jon Halapio would be in line for his first career start, though the Giants also could turn to veteran G John Greco whom they just signed last week.

Giants deserve to celebrate ugly overtime win over Chiefs

New York Giants kicker Aldrick Rosas celebrates a field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs with New York Giants punter Brad Wing during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Giants head coach Ben McAdoo was screaming in the post-game locker room, celebrating his players for a "Great team win." Then he called Eli Manning to the center of the room to gather his teammates around him. Even his excitement bubbled over.

"Enjoy it," Manning yelled in a video the Giants posted after their 12-9 overtime win over the Kansas City Chiefs. "Feel good about it. We deserve this win. We deserve to feel this good."

Yes they do, after enduring a season of misery, controversy and questions about their heart. And after two weeks of questionable efforts, they "flipped the script" to quote one of McAdoo's favorite clichés. They fought and scratched and clawed their way to a win no one expected them to have.

Giants defense 'regroup' in players-only meeting Wednesday

Nov 16, 2017 | 10:10AM

New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon tries to tackle Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

Not only did Ben McAdoo have a team meeting on Wednesday, but the Giants' defense held a players-only meeting to figure out their own problems.

The defense has looked like a shell of itself from last season as it has consistently dropped the ball the past few weeks. They have allowed a total 82 points in the last two weeks, and after allowing over 400 yards per game this season, they are ranked 31st in total defense.

Similar to McAdoo's meeting, effort was a main area discussed in the meeting. Every player was allowed to speak, and things were spirited in the discussions.

Jenkins avoids reporters postgame following awful game on Sunday

Nov 13, 2017 | 12:00PM

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(Sergio Estrada)

Janoris Jenkins had his worst outing as a Giant on Sunday, and he didn't want to talk about it to reporters after the game.

Jenkins, who returned from his suspenion for not showing up on time following the bye week, looked lost on Levi's Stadium. He was picked on all game long, and was held accountable for two, big touchdown passes by the 49ers.

After his dismal performance, reporters wanted to get a word as to why Jenkins faltered so much on Sunday. "I'll be back," is all they got from him as he walked out of the locker room and never returned. He was the only secondary player to not talk to reporters.

THE GAME

The Giants (1-7) at the San Francisco 49ers (0-9) at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 4:25 p.m. ET.

THE WEATHER

The football may stink, but the weather should be gorgeous. The forecast calls for temperatures around 70 at kickoff with mostly sunny skies and little winds. Enjoy!

WHAT IT MEANS

At this point, the dysfunctional Giants desperately need a win just to change the conversation and give them something to feel good about. It's not going to change their fate or put them into the playoff race, but maybe it'll make them less grumpy to be around. In the bigger picture, though, a loss here probably takes the Giants out of the race for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft. It's hard to imagine the 49ers or Browns getting two wins at this point.

Spagnuolo wants Giants to escape from "embarrassing pit"

New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. (Kim Klement)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Ben McAdoo wouldn't use the word "embarrassing" on Sunday. But after watching his defense give up 51 points to the Los Angeles Rams, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had no problem using that word at all.

"There's a pit right here -- it's called an embarrassing pit," Spagnuolo said on Thursday. "We feel terrible about that and looking to get it corrected."

That might be easy if this were a one-game collapse, but really the Giants' 51-17 loss at home to the Rams was just the bottom (they hope) of an embarrassing season for Spagnuolo's once-proud defense. They were a Top 10 unit one year ago and brought back almost every key player. This year they are statistically the third-worst defense in the NFL and have now given up more than 400 yards in four of their last five games.

Jason Pierre-Paul's absence at practice wasn't injury-related

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Jason Pierre-Paul missed practice on Thursday, but the team said it was not injury-related.

The defensive end was riding the stationary bike in the injury area at the start of practice on Thursday, before heading inside to work with trainers in the team's field house. It appeared that the trainers were working on his left shoulder -- which would make sense since he had a shoulder injury earlier in the season.

JPP had company on the sidelines, too. Three linebackers were also sitting out practice -- Keenan Robinson (quad), B.J. Goodson (ankle) and Devon Kennard (quad).

Nov 8, 2017 | 5:15PM

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New York Giants offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New York Giants defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-18. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

LB Keenan Robinson and LB Devon Kennard -- both suffering from quad injuries -- joined LB B.J. Goodson (ankle) on the stationary bike along the sidelines during the Giants' practice on Wednesday. Goodson has not played since leaving early during New York's loss to Seattle on Oct. 23 while Robinson left Sunday's game against the Rams.

With high pick likely, who might Giants target in 2018 Draft?

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: If the NFL season ended today, the Giants would be picking third in the 2018 NFL draft -- their highest pick since they took linebacker Carl Banks third way back in 1984.

But if they somehow find a way to lose to the 0-9 49ers in San Francisco this Sunday, their first shot at the No. 1 overall pick in 52 years would be in play.

What would the Giants do with that unexpected gold? Would they grab their next franchise quarterback? Take the best tackle or running back instead? Or trade down with a quarterback-starved franchise for a boat-load of high picks over the next few years?

THE GAME

The Giants (1-6) vs. the Los Angeles Rams (5-2) at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. ET.

THE WEATHER

That dark cloud that's been hovering over the Giants all season? Yeah, it'll be there Sunday. The forecast calls for "considerable cloudiness" and intermittent rain with a temperature in the low 60s. As if the crowd wasn't going to be small enough for this one ...

WHAT IT MEANS

There are really two ways this season can go for head coach Ben McAdoo. His team can show some fight, keep the games competitive and maybe steal a win or two. Or his team can surrender and start getting blown out. Now that they're back from their bye, whichever way they start out is likely where the rest of the games are headed. They are very undermanned now, and they know they have nothing to play for, so motivation won't be easy. Neither will be responding when things go wrong (and things will go wrong). It will be a test of McAdoo's coaching and leadership ability. How the team reacts may determine whether he keeps his job.

Jerry Reese made it clear last week that he thought the Giants entered this season too full of themselves, lacking the "hunger" and the "fight" they had last season and they too easily "bought into the hype." Ben McAdoo agreed that was at least partially responsible for the 1-6 start to this season.

And if the Giants did think too highly of themselves at the start, that's clearly over now.

Jerry Reese made it clear last week that he thought the Giants entered this season too full of themselves, lacking the "hunger" and the "fight" they had last season and they too easily "bought into the hype." Ben McAdoo agreed that was at least partially responsible for the 1-6 start to this season.

And if the Giants did think too highly of themselves at the start, that's clearly over now.

The GM added that the team lacked 'hunger,' 'passion,' and 'fight'

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Jerry Reese made it clear that the team he assembled for the Giants is far too talented to be 1-6. He believes the pieces are in place for success all over his roster, including along the much-maligned offensive line.

But as his boss said two years ago, there's no way the Giants GM can hide from his record. So he took the hit on Tuesday for this disappointing season that will almost certainly result in the Giants missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.

"This is the roster that I put together. I'm the reason we're 1-6," Reese said at his annual bye-week press conference. "But we do have to play better as a team. We win together, we lose together. I believe everybody is accountable here for what goes on. Our coaches are accountable. Our players are accountable. We're 1-6 together. But you can put it all on me."

The GM added that the team lacked 'hunger,' 'passion,' and 'fight'

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Jerry Reese made it clear that the team he assembled for the Giants is far too talented to be 1-6. He believes the pieces are in place for success all over his roster, including along the much-maligned offensive line.

But as his boss said two years ago, there's no way the Giants GM can hide from his record. So he took the hit on Tuesday for this disappointing season that will almost certainly result in the Giants missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.

"This is the roster that I put together. I'm the reason we're 1-6," Reese said at his annual bye-week press conference. "But we do have to play better as a team. We win together, we lose together. I believe everybody is accountable here for what goes on. Our coaches are accountable. Our players are accountable. We're 1-6 together. But you can put it all on me."

By Ralph Vacchiano | Oct 18, 2017 | 1:00PM

Cornerack Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie wasn't the only player making a heralded return to Giants practice on Wednesday. Receiver Sterling Shepard was back, too.

Shepard, who missed the Giants' big win in Denver with a sprained ankle, was on the field and participating in the portion of practice open to the media. He went through some individual drills and appeared to be running well without a limp.

His return would be huge for a Giants receiving corps that was battered by the losses of Odell Beckham, Jr., Brandon Marshall, and Dwayne Harris. Shepard, with 22 catches for 263 yards and a touchdown this season, is by far the best and most accomplished receiver the Giants have left...

The Giants suffered through one of their worst weeks in years, with their best player and two other receivers lost to the season with injuries, one player suspended, several other players hurt and a general sense of chaos, unhappiness and gloom hanging over the team. Going on the road to Denver against one of the NFL's best defenses seemed like an obvious recipe for disaster.

Giants adjust offensive line for Sunday's game as Richburg inactive

Oct 15, 2017 | 7:06PM

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New York Giants center Weston Richburg blocks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

With center Weston Richburg among seven Giants players inactive for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos, New York adjusted its offensive line to feature Brett Jones at center, DJ Fluker at right guard, John Jerry at left guard and Justin Pugh at right tackle.

Richburg is out due to a concussion after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

McAdoo: No one is giving Giants 'a chance in hell' to beat Broncos

Giants head coach Ben McAdoo said Friday that no one is giving his 0-5 team "a chance in hell" to win on Sunday night against the Broncos in Denver.

"We've got a great opportunity," McAdoo said. "There's nobody giving us a chance in hell to go win this ballgame. People don't think we can score a point without 13 [Odell Beckham, Jr.]. They think our defense has lost its stinger. Special teams isn't important to the whole locker room. So, we're going to find out what we're made out of on a big stage, and I think we have a good football team."

The Giants, who lost wide receivers Beckham, Brandon Marshall, and Dwayne Harris to season-ending injuries during last week's loss to the Chargers, will also be without Sterling Shepard on Sunday.

Shepard, who sparined his ankle against the Chargers last Sunday, said earlier this week he has "no idea" if he will be ready for the Giants' game against the Broncos on Sunday night. However, Shepard does feel the ankle healing.